Former board members urge support for Conroy

To the Editor:

We are asking you to please join with us in supporting Cindy Conroy for Newport Board of Selectmen. As many of you know, both of us have served on the Board of Selectmen and we feel it is time for a fresh perspective and new ideas to be brought forward.

Although our political views are on opposite ends of the spectrum, we both whole heartily support Cindy. She is a lifelong Newport citizen and has given her time to many community volunteer efforts over the years.

Also, as a wife, mother, grandmother and health care professional she has a unique perspective that is missing on the current Newport Select Board.

Over the course of this campaign we have witnessed what we believe are several intentional mischaracterizations of Cindy’s motives and abilities to lawfully act in the capacity as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Specifically, this relates to her alleged “conflict of interest.” We ask you, what are they afraid of?

Everyone knows that Cindy’s spouse is the Chief of the Fire Department. A lot of people don’t know this but all Town employees work directly for the Town Manager not the Board of Selectmen.

The Select Board by New Hampshire law is not involved with personnel matters. In a small town you are often going to have members of your family, business acquaintances and friends employed by the town while you are in elected office.

Ms. Conroy is clearly aware of this and knows that she must recuse herself on certain votes. As one of the most vocal members of our town, Mr. Bert

Spaulding Sr. has pointed out time and time again, “you do not give up your rights as a citizen when you are in public office—you have the right to speak out.” This can also be applied to the same situation when you have people in government service and you are an elected official.

Those of you that know Cindy know that she is strong and honest in her convictions; she doesn’t back away from bullies; she’s a fighter. We need her on the Board, so pleased join with us in supporting her candidacy.

Betty Maiola and Virginia Irwin

Newport